She nodded.
Shirley had already arrived when they went out. When she walked into the kitchen carrying all the ingredients she had bought, Shirley was deftly chopping vegetables with a steady tap-tap-tap. A rich soup was already steaming on the stove, carrying the scent of lamb, potatoes, and beets.
Shirley's face lit up when she saw her come in.
"Quick! Come help! I'm making you delicious sandwiches and apple pie today."
Yes.
Sister Shirley hadn't died.
Over a year ago, the government had officially shut down that underground factory, and many children had been rescued. That was when her big brother had found Sister Shirley, too. Because he got along so well with everyone, Sister Shirley hadn't gone to live with her aunt, but had stayed here instead. Now she was a tailor who could make beautiful clothes.
Every weekend, Sister Shirley would come over to help and cook the dishes she was best at.
Of course, she would occasionally remember those agonizing days in the underground factory.
But little by little.
Those memories had begun to fade, as though they had happened in a previous life.
"Woof, woof!"
Those joyous cries came from the backyard.
Shirley muttered a few words, but the little girl's eyes sparkled. She quickly gathered up some food, pushed open the back door, and ran outside. The backyard was already blanketed in snow, and each step left a tiny footprint with a crunch.
With some effort, she pulled apart the backyard fence. The dog immediately squeezed through from outside, tongue lolling and tail wagging.
And when she saw the little girl.
She kept circling around her, as though she had an endless supply of energy.
The little girl put the roast potatoes she had sneaked out of the kitchen onto a plate. The dog immediately